Select Local Merchants

Though the colorful lighting and high-energy music at Pinz Entertainment might have you thinking you've walked into a nightclub or the world's most distracting library, it's actually a sleekly styled bowling alley. At 20 lanes, where open bowling takes place all day long, players pummel pins under the glow of black lights, rather than yellow-toned fluorescent bulbs. The laser tag arena, too, is lit by black lights, with bursts of fog enabling duck-and-hide tactics and high-energy music keeping pulses pounding.?
When it's time for a break, players exercise their thumbs in the 7,000-square-foot arcade or escape to The Blue Dog for drinks, some food, and an update on the score of the big game.

Though recently featured in a USA Today Travel article that praised its “astonishing” chow mein sandwich, Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining is known by locals for more than just its kitchen’s specialties. The restaurant also won a prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive award in 2011, and its world-famous jazz and blues performances have helped cement its self-proclaimed reputation as New England’s "home of eggroll, jazz, and blues."
Long before the sounds of horns and saxophones filled its halls, the New Shanghai Restaurant opened its doors in 1905. It was not until the mid-1960s, however, that the Chan family refurbished the Woonsocket landmark and began serving an innovative combination of Cantonese, Szechwan, Hunan, and Mandarin cuisines. Around this time, the Chans also brought in the live jazz and blues music that continues to fill the main dining area—known as the Horseshoe Bar Lounge—and the famous Four Seasons Jazz and Blues Club.
With its red paper lanterns, traditional Chinese artwork, and colorful paintings of musicians, the Four Seasons has played host to such legendary blues, jazz, and folk artists as Dizzy Gillespie and Rebecca Parris. A buffet spread accompanies musical performances, during which enthralled audiences watch as musicians pound eggrolls against snare drums or slide their hands along guitars strung up with slippery chow mein noodles.

The eatery, a Woonsocket staple since 1983, invites kids, adults, and ageless immortals into its quaint and comfortable confines for classic homecooked meals. Once diners are settled into a cushy booth, they can feast on soul-soothing meals ranging from family-style rotisserie chicken dinners to homemade chowders and overstuffed sandwiches. To complement these hearty morsels, bartenders sling glasses of wine and domestic brews behind a full bar illuminated by the soft glow of televised sports.

Electric Haze pairs the relaxed vibe of its sister establishment, Spiritual Haze, a hookah lounge, with live music, artwork on display and for sale, and a full bar. Patrons can stop in to hear some tunes from local bands while enjoying a relaxing round of hookah. Electric Haze has the top 20 selling flavors and combinations from Spiritual Haze, such as Ambrosia, Blue Mist, Jolly Rancher, and Strawberry Margarita.

For a mouthwatering collection of American classics, Blackie's Bulldog Tavern serves traditional, no-frills fare in the Smithfield district of Smithfield.
If you re sick of counting calories, the absence of low-fat food on Blackie's Bulldog Tavern s menu is sure to appease your taste buds for a day.
Watch the game with fellow fans to get the full sports experience.
Tots and tykes will be right at home at Blackie's Bulldog Tavern with its kid-approved food and ambience.
At Blackie's Bulldog Tavern, your large or small party can easily enjoy a meal.
For comfortable outdoor service, Blackie's Bulldog Tavern sets up a seasonal patio.
Interested in eating out over the weekend? Keep in mind that the restaurant gets swamped on Fridays and Saturdays, and service may take longer than expected.
Blackie's Bulldog Tavern's dress code is casual — diners are welcome to dress up (or down) to their comfort level.
Always five minutes behind schedule? Pick up your food to go instead.
Drivers can park in the neighboring lot.
If cycling is more your speed, you'll find plenty of space to stash your bike outside the restaurant.
Dining at Blackie's Bulldog Tavern will set you back about $30 per person on average.
At Blackie's Bulldog Tavern, you have the option of paying by major credit card.

Groupon Guide

Home to some of the country’s most prestigious universities, Cambridge has always been known as a hotbed of intellectual and cultural sophistication. However, if you look beyond the MIT buildings that surround Cambridge Center, you’ll find some quaint side streets filled with character, unpretentious fun, and delicious restaurants from some of the city’s top chefs. Here’s your guide to a relaxed date night around Kendall Square.
Thrift Like a Pro at The Garment District (200 Broadway)
If you’re feeling bold, sift through the “by the pound” area—you’ll be able to tell a lot about your date depending on what they pick out. You can either stay downstairs and search for next year’s Halloween costumes or head upstairs to my personal favorite area: all the way in the back, where you’ll find racks of amazing '70s and '80s couture.
Share a Pie at Emma’s Pizza (40 Hampshire St.)
After your adventure at The Garment District, step around the corner for a romantic table for two at Emma’s Pizza. The only hard part will be settling on toppings for your custom pie: choose from gourmet options such as thyme-roasted mushrooms and roasted sweet potatoes, or keep it simple with some sweet italian sausage. I love grabbing a cold beer and sitting down at the mismatched chairs—sometimes the most romantic spots are the most understated.
Shots and Shuffleboard at State Park (1 Kendall Square)
Come for a game of shuffleboard and stay for the bourbon and barbecue. This recently opened Kendall Square “dive bar” is the little sister to Cambridge’s beloved Hungry Mother, which features more upscale southern dining. The ambiance at State Park is moody and dark—perfect for drinking enjoying an after-dinner cocktail (or two).
Cozy Up for a Flick at Kendall Square Cinema (1 Kendall Square)
Going to the movies is one of my favorite pastimes. It can feel so indulgent if you do it right. Don’t come for the latest blockbuster hit—Kendall Square Cinema is known for showcasing smaller indie flicks. The theater is small and intimate, perfect for cozying up with a bag of freshly popped popcorn (topped with real butter!).
Be sure to check Groupon first for more shopping, date-night restaurants, and things to do in Boston.
Photos by Natalie Chassaigne Kurtzman

In high school, my best friend and I would trek into the city from our Boston suburb many weekends. Our frequent destination: Harvard Square’s Club Passim. As an eighteen year old, there weren’t many options for enjoying city nightlife. Club Passim was a very welcome exception. Still to this day, I savor evenings listening to live folk music in the intimate Palmer Street setting.
In addition to being a great night out, it’s pretty incredible to think about the history of the Boston music scene. Bob Dylan and Joan Baez sang at Club Passim back in the day. Wally’s Cafe has been around since 1947, and is still a reliable venue for live music 365 days of the year.
Personally, I adore the smaller, more intimate venues that allow you to feel like you’re at a private performance. In addition to paid concerts, you’ll find many free options thanks to the area universities, such as Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory. There are plenty of performances and student showcases for $5, and many are even free. As a music lover, it is great to experience up-and-coming talent.
If you are in the mood for jazz, I’d recommend Scullers Jazz Club, Wally’s Cafe, or The Beehive. Each venue has a unique personality - from The Beehive’s bohemian flair to Wally’s intimate scene. If you’re looking to groove to bluegrass, I would recommend Cantab Lounge or Toad, both in Cambridge.
When it comes to more mainstream music, I still prefer the smaller venues, such as Paradise Rock Club, The Sinclair, and Royale.
Let’s not forget about the seasonal venues, too, such as western Massachusetts’s Tanglewood, and more locally, the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. Regardless of season or musical taste, there’s an abundance of live music to enjoy here in Boston.